The Monthly eRosh

A Journey of Choices

Sun, 06 May 2012 10:06:26 +0000

It has been about a month since we celebrated Passover and Unleavened Bread, the time commemorating our Exodus from slavery to Pharaoh and the redemption we have received from Hashem, both from Egypt and by Messiah. We are now well into the counting of the omer, which is the process to count 50 days or 7 weeks from the time of Unleavened Bread until the time of Shavuot or Pentecost (Lev. 23:15). The omer was a measured amount. In this case it was the amount of harvested barley that was brought to the Temple. So now we have turned our backs toward Egypt and all that it had to offer us (cruelty, hate, bitterness, pain, separation from the Lord) and continue our trek to Sinai and the Promised Land and all that it has to offer (blessing, life, peace, joy, fellowship with the Lord). Some, the Bible tells, desired to return to Egypt, while other devoted ones pushed onward toward the Promise. During this journey, which we commemorate now by the counting of the omer, we look forward to the giving of the Torah and of the Spirit. Each step of this journey, whether large or small, that takes us away from Egypt and our former lives and brings us closer to Hashem and His ways, is a step in the right direction. It sometimes is not easy to step in the right direction, but we can always pray to our Father who has promised to give us wisdom and guidance along the way. His promise is not to merely provide wisdom, but that he will provide a generous amount (James 1:5). During morning prayers, we pray that the Holy One would imbue us with wisdom and that he would grant us understanding. Not only that, but we pray that we would not succumb to the Evil Inclination but would be attached to the Good Inclination and to good deeds. In Galatians 5, Paul likewise instructs us that we should put away the deeds of the flesh and to put on the deeds of the spirit:

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Messiah Yeshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

So as we walk this journey from Egypt to Sinai and as we count off the days of the omer, we have an opportunity to make good choices. Indeed this journey goes longer than these 50 days, but this is an opportunity to put into practice what we can take with us for the rest of the year and every year. In this life we are given many choices. Ultimately the choices we make determine the outcome of our life on this earth and in the world to come. The Holy One desires that you would choose His good path and walk in it. Messiah Yeshua offers us atonement and redemption from the bondage of sin (escape from Egypt) and offers us, through His love and mercy, an opportunity to become citizens in His Kingdom. But remember, it is your choice whether or not you want to walk on His path. Ask yourself with every decision, is this on the "Straight Path" which leads to life, blessing, righteousness, and to Messiah Yeshua or is this on the crooked path which leads to death, cursing, wickedness and away from Messiah Yeshua? May the Father of all wisdom be with you as you walk your journey of life and may He grant you the discernment between the holy and the profane, life and death. Our prayer is that you choose to forever walk on the path of life.

The Great Redemption of Nisan

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 11:06:30 +0000

During the month of Nisan, two mighty acts of salvation transpired for Israel: the Exodus from Egypt, and the death, burial and resurrection of the Righteous One, Messiah Yeshua. The Exodus serves as the quintessential paradigm for God's salvation. It was there in the midst of slavery and oppression that the family of Jacob miraculously grew into the nation of Israel. Even when the majority of God's people could not see His hand in the circumstances they found themselves in, God raised up a prophet who led them to a deliverance they never thought possible. Through Moses, great and mighty acts were inflicted upon Pharaoh. After ten devastating plagues, the children of Israel found freedom. After a night of sacrifice, blood-stained doorposts, and the death of firstborn sons, Israel found deliverance from the bondage of the world. So, too, have God's people found eternal salvation in a wholly unexpected way. In the midst of Roman occupation, an utterly corrupt priesthood, religious hypocrisy that stressed minutia but neglected love and compassion, and the failings of numerous revolutionary messiahs, Israel's hope for salvation seemed bleak. Once again, God's people puzzled over the circumstances they found themselves in. Yet as before, God sent a prophet, indeed the Prophet, who would lead Israel to the great redemption that they longed for. And yet, unlike the first redemption from Egypt, the wrath of the second redemption was not aimed at Israel's oppressors. Rather, the wrath of God was poured out upon the Righteous One. Unlike the first redemption, the whips were not reserved for the backs of Israel while He lived detached from their plight. Rather, the flogging of whips came directly upon the back of the Prophet. Unlike the first redemption, the sacrifice was not made by Israel. Rather, God Himself offered the sacrifice-the Lamb of God nailed to blood-stained wooden posts. Unlike the first redemption, the firstborn sons of the enemy were not put to death. Rather, it was God who gave His only begotten Son to be put to death. In both schemes of redemption, death is prevalent. And yet, death is not the end. Death comes, only to be overcome by life. Israel was counted as dead and defeated while in Egypt. They were nothing but a mere slave-people under the hand of the oppressor. However, they came forth victorious over death and were given new life. At the ninth hour, Yeshua died and His lifeless body was taken off the cross. His body was wrapped and buried in a tomb. His followers' hopes for salvation were dead and defeated. Their Master had been executed by the hand of the oppressor. And yet, He came forth victorious over death and has given us new life. Halleluyah, Yeshua is risen; Halleluyah, Death is no more.

The Trees of Shevat

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:05:10 +0000

As winter drones on, one often feels that the cold will never end. Thoughts of the warm sunshine and colors of vegetation seem like a distant memory. For those in more snowy climates, cabin fever takes effect. But as we enter into the month of Shevat, particularly those in the Land of Israel, we know that winter is coming to an end. Typically, the rainy season in Israel is over by Shevat and crops and plant life begin to emerge once again. It was for this reason that the sages of old declared Tu B'Shevat (15th of Shevat) as a New Year. Not in the sense that the calendar starts over or the years change. Rather, Tu B'Shevat is a new year for trees. The Torah requires that the fruit of trees planted in the Land of Israel remain forbidden for three years (Lev. 19:23-25). Instead of counting the years for each individual tree, all trees were given a singular date which they would be counted from. Another date of significance during this month is the 1st day of the eleventh month (Shevat). It was on this date that Moses began his giving of the Torah to the generation that would enter the Land of Promise (Deuteronomy 1:3). We have this teaching of Moses recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. Since the previous generation had perished in the wilderness, the next generation had to renew their covenant with God and accept his Torah as the rule of their lives. There is a wonderful interconnection between trees, fruit and Torah described in Psalm 1:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Torah of the LORD, and in His Torah he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Like the generation crouched on the banks of the Jordan, we too must accept upon ourselves the ways of the Torah. For many, the Torah is not a family heirloom. The Torah is an ancient treasure that we have uncovered for ourselves; something our father's lost and did not realize it was theirs. And yet, the Torah is not simply an item we can possess. Once we have discovered it, we must walk in it. We must root ourselves in the soil of the Word saturated by the water of the Spirit. When we do so, we find life. We bear fruit. We stand firm in the face of adversity. We become like trees. As we grow, we grow into the image of Yeshua the Messiah, the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:2). May your month be filled with fruit and prosperity!

The Difficulties of Tevet

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:31:11 +0000

Tevet is the tenth month of the biblical calendar year. The name "Tevet" is the Babylonian name of the month. In the Bible, it is referred to both as "the tenth month" as well as "Tevet," as in Esther 2:16, "And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth..." As we enter the month of Tevet, we are still in the midst of the celebration of Hanukkah. For the first few days of the month, we are reminded of the victory in the days of the Maccabees. But as Hanukkah comes to a close and the menorahs are put away for the year, we continue on through a month that also commemorates tragedy and loss. One probable event that occurred during the month of Tevet was the martyrdom of the Apostle Peter at the hands of the Roman government on 9 Tevet. This date comes from tradition preserved rabbinic literature.¹ On the next day, 10 Tevet, a traditional fast day is observed in the Jewish community. The fast of 10 Tevet commemorates the siege that began against Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, recorded in 2 Kings 25. This siege ultimately ended with the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the people of Judah. Thus, this fast is identified as the fast of the tenth month spoken of in Zechariah 8:19. With all the tragedy associated with this month, perhaps this is the reason the month starts with the end of Hanukkah. In this world, we will face many tribulations. Some will be due to our sin (like the destruction of the Temple), and others will be persecution for the sake of righteousness (like Simon Peter's martyrdom). But, these situations do not have the final word. God will grant the ultimate victory to his faithful ones. As we face the trials and difficulties of life, may we not lose sight of the prize that we have in our Master Yeshua the Messiah. Tzom Kal - May you have an easy fast!

Endnotes

1. See Rabbi Baruch Frankel Teomim on Orach Chaim, 580.

The Restoration of Tishrei

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:31:21 +0000

"Chag Sameach and Yom Tov! A joyous feast and good day to you!" This is a common greeting heard throughout the month of Tishrei. Why? There are more feasts and holy days in this month of the biblical calendar than any other. Each of these appointed times have a unique thrust. Yet even with the diverse motifs of each day, there is a common thread -- restoration. Restoration is a key component to a biblical worldview. One definition of restoration is the action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition. Since Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, God has been at work in this world to bring about restoration. Through Messiah, we are returning to our owner, our place, and our condition. Indeed, this is the prevailing theme of Scripture, and God's appointed times tell this story as well. Yom Teruah (Day of Trumpets) tells the story of the restoration of our spiritual senses. Repentance plays a major role in the calendar throughout the long months of summer and it reaches its peak with the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn) on Yom Teruah. The haunting sound of the shofar is a shock to the spiritual apathy of our flesh. Thus, we begin Tishrei with a realization of our spiritual condition and earnestly seek the Merciful King to restore us at the beginning of a new year. We continue to beseech our Gracious God throughout the subsequent Ten Days of Awe. Furthermore, our prayers to God for forgiveness translate into action. We should seek to restore broken relationships with others. "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). This shows the tangible reality of our restoration. Yom Kippur brings us to face to face with the stark reality of our sin and the restoration God provides. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and yet God provided a substitute in our place. Restoration comes at a high price because the Righteous Judge does not simply ignore transgression. We who know the Messiah partake in the once-and-for-all sacrifice of this Great High Priest who offered himself as one who lives forever. "Therefore he is able to save forever those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). The Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) represents the restoration of God's Kingdom in the Messianic Era. This is the final restoration for which we long. The prophet Zechariah foretold of the time when all nations will come to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot (see 14:9-21). In that day, we will have returned to our owner, place and condition; a truly restored people. Yet, this time is not yet. Simchat Torah (the Rejoicing of the Torah) shows us the ongoing process of restoration in our day. At Simchat Torah, we roll back the scroll of the Torah and embark on a new year of studying God's word. With this knowledge, we must continue to put to "death the deeds of the flesh" by the strengthening of God's Spirit (Romans 8:13b). The reality of restoration is present each and every day of our lives as we continue to follow after the ways of our Master. May your year be filled with spiritual growth and blessing. May you reach new depths in your walk with the Holy One. May you continue to see restoration in your life, family, and community. L'shanah Tova! May you have a good year!

The Shofar Call of Elul

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:18:27 +0000

Elul is the sixth calendar month of the biblical calendar year. It is also the last month of the civil year when counting from Tishrei. The name "Elul" is the Babylonian name of the month. The Bible also refers to this month as Elul, as in Nehemiah 6:15, "So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul..." Because of the approaching new year and the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the month of Elul is focused on repentance and reconciliation. Special prayers called Selichot (forgiveness) are recited during this month. These prayers focus especially upon the thirteen attributes of mercy revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai:

The LORD, The LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished¹ ... (Exodus 34:6-7).

Another custom of during the month of Elul is the sounding of the shofar (ram's horn trumpet) at the end of the morning prayer service. The piercing, haunting sound of the shofar stirs our hearts to seek God and repent of sin in our lives. Its sound resembles the broken, sorrowful cry of our souls calling out to the Righteous Judge for mercy and grace. This wordless, yet deeply meaningful sound is representative of yet another longing within us:

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:22-23)

As well as thirsting for righteousness, our souls long for the day that our weary bodies are resurrected. Paul says that even "creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19). The sound of the shofar is an expression of that yearning for the coming of our Messiah, Yeshua of Nazareth. With great anticipation we await the New Creation that will be heralded "with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the shofar of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). So this Elul, let the call of the shofar pierce your heart and convict your soul. May we turn to Him in complete faith, and fall upon his abundant mercy. May we also yearn for the coming of Messiah as we approach a new year. May you find wholeness and newness of life this Elul!

Endnotes

1. How is this last phrase an attribute of mercy? R' Eliyahu Kitov explains that God will clear those who repent, but will not clear those do not repent.

The Affliction of Av

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:38:25 +0000

Av is the fifth month of biblical calendar year. The name "Av" is the Babylonian name of the month. In the Bible, it is simply referred to as "the fifth month" as in Numbers 33:38, "And Aaron the priest went up Mount Hor at the command of the LORD and died there...on the first day of the fifth month." Aaron the high priest died on the 1st of Av. The Torah says that after that, "all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days" (Numbers 20:29). Unfortunately, this was a foreboding sign of things to come. Since those days, the month of Av has been a month of tragedy and affliction for the Jewish people. As mentioned in last month's eRosh, the 17th of Tammuz begins the Three Weeks. It is a mourning period that originated in the days of the post-exilic prophets. When the month of Av begins, the traditional mourning customs are intensified as Jews draw closer to Tzom Tisha b'Av, the Fast of the 9th of Av. Why? Aaron the high priest died on the 1st of Av; both the First and Second Temples were destroyed on Tisha b'Av. Aside from Yom Kippur, these Nine Days are perhaps the most somber and heartrending days of the Jewish calendar. Tisha b'Av is the only one of the traditional fast days that is a sundown to sundown fast from food and liquid. The sorrow of Tisha b'Av is so great that men do not even don Tefillin during the morning Shacharit prayers.¹ Special services are also held on Tisha b'Av as well. During these services, congregants sit on the floor and read the book of Lamentations (Eichah). Jeremiah the prophet wrote this solemn book after the destruction of the First Temple, making it a fitting choice for Tisha b'Av. This day holds intense significance for the Jewish people, but what about Christians, the followers of Messiah? Should believers mourn as well? Yes, we more than anyone else. The afflictions of Tisha b'Av were not just limited to the days of the Bible. Tisha b'Av has continued to be an ominous day for the Jewish people throughout their history. Sadly, many of these tragedies have been at the hands of "Christian" rulers, popes, and angry mobs.² Whether by crusades, inquisitions, pogroms, or blood libels, so-called followers of Yeshua have tortured, burned, and murdered Jews. In so doing, these "Christians" have maligned the name of the Master and blasphemed His character. But though some of these tragedies may seem like ancient history, "Christian" persecution is still fresh in the collective mind of the Jewish people. Given that fact, perhaps Tisha b'Av should become a Christian tradition as well. We must continue to rid our congregations of the sin of anti-Semitism in whatever form it takes, whether in thought, speech, or theology. Once again, tzom kal - May you have an easy fast.

Endnotes

1. On Tisha b'Av, Tefillin are donned at Minchah instead. 2. The word "Christian" is in quotes because true followers of the Messiah would never engage in such persecution. These persecutors were "Christian" in name only.

The Sorrow of Tammuz

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 07:57:15 +0000

Sorrow, grief, lamentation, mourning, depression; these are all human emotions. Hey, even Yeshua wept!¹ We all deal with grief; it is a part of our experience. The Bible has many expressions of sorrow and the Psalms are a prime example. You may be surprised to discover that 57 of the 150 Psalms are laments; that's 38%! Yet, how many worship services today contain even one song that is a lament style? Very few. As the fourth month of the biblical calendar approaches, we are reminded of sorrow in the name "Tammuz." The name Tammuz is not named in Scripture for this month, but it does appear in another context, Ezekiel 8:14-15.

"Then he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then he said to me, "Have you seen this, O son of man? You will see still greater abominations than these."

Tammuz was a Babylonian idol. Let me be clear, I am not suggesting we are sorrowful for a false god. But why in the world would Israel continue to call this month Tammuz? Is this leftover pagan syncretism? No, it is not. Historically, the fourth month was the month that God began to bring judgment on Israel for the sin of idolatry. This is remembered with the fast on the 17 Tammuz.² It commemorates five different tragedies: the breaking of the tablets at the golden calf, the suspension of the daily sacrifice before the destruction of the First Temple, the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before destruction of the Second Temple, and the burning of a Torah scroll and the erecting of an idol in the Second Temple by the Roman official Apostomos. This fast begins the Three Weeks, sometimes called "Between the Straits."³ This is a three-week period of mourning that concludes with the fast of the ninth of Av. During this time, the sins of our forefathers are remembered and Israel examines their own sins. The name Tammuz serves as a reminder of our dark past as a people. We do not weep over idols, but we do weep over our sins and the present exile. Yet we do not weep as those without hope. Tammuz is also a reminder of God's wonderful grace. By the sacrifice of our Lord Yeshua, we have the hope of redemption. We live in the paradox of hopeful sorrow. We've been redeemed by Yeshua, yet we still wait for the restoration of all things.

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing, you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness."⁴

Endnotes

1. John 11:35
2. This is the fast of the fourth month mentioned in Zechariah 8:19
3. Taken from Lamentations 1:3
4. Psalm 30:11

The First Fruits of Sivan

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:44:06 +0000

Sivan is the third month of the biblical calendar year. The name "Sivan" is the Babylonian name of the month. It is referred to as such in the Bible, "So the king's scribes were called at that time in the third month (that is, the month of Sivan), on the twenty-third day..." ¹ The Torah refers to the month simply as "the third month" as it says in Exodus 19:1, "In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai." In the land of Israel, Sivan is the beginning of the harvest season. In biblical times, the Feast of Shavuot (6 Sivan) began the season of bikkurim, that is, the first fruits of the harvest. Stretching from Shavuot to the Feast of Sukkot, the farmers of the land of Israel would bring the first share of their crops to the Temple with great fanfare and celebration. Shavuot is also traditionally observed as the anniversary of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It was on this day that all Israel heard God speak the Ten Commandments from the mountain. Israel beheld the smoking fire, the resounding shofar blast, and the pearls of lightning and thunder. It was a fearsome sight. While celebrating the Feast of Shavuot in Jerusalem just after the Master's ascension, the believers also beheld an awesome site, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in tongues of fire and a violent rushing wind.² It was the promised Comforter that Messiah Yeshua had promised they would receive. He had instructed them to tarry in Jerusalem until they had received the promise of the Father. From there the message of the Gospel would go forth to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth. Throughout the rest of the book of Acts, we see the believers continuing to bring the harvest from the nations. But the Acts of the Holy Spirit did not end with chapter 28. We stand today as a continuation of that Great Shavuot Commission. Like our brothers and sisters in Messiah who have gone before us, we are also given the awesome privilege of gathering in the harvest from the nations. We are those witnesses at the remotest parts of the earth. Yet, we long for the day when we bring the harvest to the Temple, and we all come to Jerusalem with great fanfare and celebration. In that day, both Jews and Gentiles will be the first fruits of Zion. Chag Shavuot Sameach-Have a Joyous Shavuot!

Endnotes

1. Esther 8:9, which is incidentally, the longest verse in the Bible. 2. Acts 2:2-3

The Lamb of God

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:45:25 +0000

In this, the beginning of months, we will have many opportunities for practically living out the words of the Scripture. We will be able to prepare for Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and to begin the counting of the omer. We are also able to recount the time when the Lamb of God was sent to take away the sin of the world. As stated above, there is so much that could be written about the month of Nisan (a.k.a. Aviv, which literally means ripe and by extension springtime). This eRosh will speak mostly of one aspect of the Passover Seder meal. Specifically, the four "I will" statements that the Holy One made as recorded in Exodus 6:6-7 will be mentioned. Remember, in the book of Exodus, the children of Israel had cried out to the Holy One because they had become slaves in Egypt. Not only were their freedoms taken from them, but they were being brutally mistreated and abused. This was the normality for the kingdom in which they were in forced servitude. The account continues to describe that despite the horrid treatment the descendants of Jacob held to a hope in the promise of deliverance. They knew that God would not forsake his promise to the patriarchs. At the appointed time, the Holy One would deliver them. He told Moses to tell Israel the following, which are listed by the corresponding cups in the Seder meal. First Cup - I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Second Cup - I will deliver you from slavery to them. Third Cup - I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. Fourth Cup - I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians Just as the Israelites were in bitter bondage to Egypt and its wicked king, we find ourselves enslaved to a more fiercely cruel tyrant and the world. This makes the redemption even sweeter and more rich. If we look at each of the cups, we can catch the beginning glimpse of what our atonement through Messiah has produced for our eternal lives. Looking specifically at the fourth cup, we can see that the Holy One has done all to ensure a relationship with His people. To be certain, this is not just a casual relationship, but an intimate relationship as close as a husband and wife (Hosea 2:19-20). As such, the Holy One has called for us to live as called and brought out people. So as you partake of the Passover Seder this month, may you call to remembrance the deliverances and great calling that Hashem has done on your behalf and may you be blessed in the grace and knowledge of our redemption through Messiah Yeshua, the Lamb of God that took away the sin of the world. Finally, those in Messiah are blessed to join with John, the beloved, and offer praise "to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" Revelation 1:5-6. Chag Pesach Sameach!

The Joy of Adar II

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:43:26 +0000

As we saw in last month's eRosh, the twelfth month of Adar is doubled this year. But this does not mean we repeat the same events as last month. The sages declared Adar II to be the "real" Adar. Thus, the festivities and observances of a normal Adar fall during Adar II in a leap year(though to a small degree they are recognized in the first). Counting from the first month of Nisan, Adar brings us to the final month on the calendar. We have taken a journey with Israel through the Biblical calendar. What started with the Exodus from Egypt in Nisan, continued through the sorrowful summer months of Tammuz, Av, and Elul, rejuvenated during the invigorating months of Tishrei, ends here with the joyous celebration of Purim in the month of Adar. Here, at the end of the year, we celebrate the victory of Queen Esther and the Jewish community of Persia over the schemes of the wretched Haman. Esther, taken into the highest circle of royalty, unknowingly found herself in a unique position to bring salvation to God's people. Mysteriously, the name of God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, yet it is obvious that he is working behind the scenes as the keeper of Israel. Just as God hardened Pharaoh's heart to bring Israel out of Egypt, God softened King Ahasuerus' heart towards Esther and chose her as his queen. Through this, and the support of her uncle Mordecai, Esther is able to reveal Haman's wicked plot, and he is hung on the same gallows he intended for the Jews. There are many parallels to the story of Esther and our present day situation. Like the days of Esther and Mordecai, God sometimes seems silent. He may seem absent and distant at times. The situations of life seem random and sometimes, God forbid, even tragic. But as we see from Esther's life, God will bring about his salvation at a time when it is wholly unexpected. Through these trials, God will give us occasion for joy. It may not be in this life, but day-by-day the return of our righteous King, Yeshua HaMelech, draws ever closer, and when He comes we will occasion for joy. Just as the Biblical calendar ends with a celebration of the inconspicuous workings of God at a time of national crisis, so too history will come to an end and every trial we encountered in this life will fall into perspective. God may seem absent, that Day may seem distant, but be assured-He is coming! And when that Day comes, the celebration will be like no Purim party you've ever seen. Chag Purim Sameach! Have a Happy Purim Festival!

The Giving of Adar I

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:36:30 +0000

As we come to the end of the cycle of months, you might make a double take at your calendar. No, it's not a typo or negligent editing. There are two months of Adar this year. Yes, it is true. Why? Because this year is a leap year on the biblical calendar. In order for Passover to fall during the spring,¹ it is necessary to add a month to the calendar every so often to keep Passover from sliding back into winter. Imagine leaving Egypt in the already cold desert night; doing so in the winter would be downright arctic! Since Adar is doubled, this leaves us with two Purim festivals. But which one is the "real" Purim? Well, the sages decided that it is better to recognize the Purim of Adar II as the "real" Purim, since it is closer to Passover. This way, both festivals of deliverance are celebrated in close proximity to one another. But, in order to respect the first date's potential festive status, it is recognized as Purim katan, a "little Purim." There is a custom of Purim that we will examine this month, as it is applicable beyond just Purim. That custom is giving tzedakah to those in need. Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for "justice" or "righteousness." In Jewish tradition, giving is seen as justice. Tzedakah is more than charity. Charity is typically seen as a voluntary act of giving money or supplies. But tzedakah is traditionally viewed as obligatory. Giving "justice" is not a mere option; it is God's will. By giving food, clothing or money to those in need, we establish God's justice on the earth. Also unlike popular conceptions of charity, everyone is obliged to give, even those who receive it. It is a good deed that all can participate in. Some might think, "What the use of that? If someone receives tzedakah, how much can they possibly give? Is what they give really worth anything?" But remember the words of our Master Yeshua when he spoke to His disciples about the poor widow with her two small coins in the Temple. He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all that she had to live on." (Mark 12:43-44) Of what use is it to give, if you yourself are poor? Counter to our reasoning, the Master teaches the very opposite; it is a greater mitzvah to give if we are poor. Rather than giving when it is comfortable, it shows greater faith to give when it cuts into our budget. We live in a world that thrives on selfish greed and gain. It infects rich and poor alike. One of the messages of Purim is that we are all to look to the needs of others before ourselves-both during Purim and every other time of the year. Bless and be blessed this month!

Endnotes

1. See Deuteronomy 16:1. Abib refers to the stage of the ripening of grain, and by extension, "springtime."

The Fruit of Shevat

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:06:20 +0000

The Fruit of Shevat

Shevat is the eleventh month of the biblical calendar year. "Shevat" is the Babylonian name of the month. In the Bible, it is referred to as both "the eleventh month" and "Shevat" (or Shebat), as in Zechariah 1:7, "On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah..." The month of Shevat contains a minor festival on 15 Shevat known as Tu B'Shevat. This day is one of four days considered to be a Rosh Hashanah (New Year) on the biblical calendar. It is on this day that Israel commemorates the new year for trees and produce, in regards to tithing produce and the counting of the age for trees. Trees and produce are some of the foremost reasons the land of Israel is praised so highly. In Deuteronomy 8, the land is spoken of as, A good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, and land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, and land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing...And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. (8:7-10) It is customary to eat fruit grown in the land of Israel on this special day. In Israel today, it is a day of celebration for the religious and secular alike. For when the land is renewed from the precipitation, it can once again bring forth its bountiful growth. Thus, its renewal is an occasion for great rejoicing and thanksgiving to God who provides us with good and nourishing sustenance. Chag Sameach from First Fruits of Zion!

The Persecution of Tevet

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:19:45 +0000

Last month during Kislev, we took a look at the miracles in the days of the Maccabees and in the life of our Master Yeshua. In Messianic Jewish tradition, Chanukkah commemorates both the victory of the Maccabees and Yeshua's discourse in John 10:22-39. The celebration of Chanukkah is unique in that it is the only festival that spans two months, beginning on the 25th of Kislev and lasting until the 3rd of Tevet. There's another side to the Chanukkah story, one that believers in Messiah can readily relate to: persecution. Chanukkah memorializes the cruel oppression of the Jewish people under Antiochus Epiphanes; a time when studying Torah was illegal and those who sought to keep the commandments were slaughtered mercilessly. Our Master also was persecuted during Chanukkah. As noted in John 10:22-39, the Judeans (an elitist Jewish sect) sought to kill Yeshua for his claim to be the Son of God. He miraculously eluded their grasp and fled to the Jordan. Thus, it seems that miracles and persecution go hand in hand. The month of Tevet recalls yet more persecution. 2 Kings 25:1 relates the launch of Nebuchadnezzar's siege against Jerusalem, which is traditionally observed with a fast on the 10th of Tevet. This event began the tragedy that ended with the destruction of the Temple on the 9th of Av. Many communities fast from sunrise to sundown to mourn this calamitous event in Israel's history. But there's one event that has special significance for believers. As Toby Janicki has shown,¹ there is an ancient rabbinic tradition that Simon Peter died on the 9th of Tevet. Like most of the apostles, Peter was martyred. The Master foretold Peter's death:

"'Truly, truly I say to you...when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you to where you do not wish to go.' Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, 'Follow Me!'" John 21:18-19

According to ancient Christian tradition, Peter and Paul were both martyred during the Neronic persecutions around 64 CE. Peter "stretched out his hands" in crucifixion, but not considering himself worthy to die in the same manner as the Master, Peter requested that he be crucified upside down.² Persecution--not being limited to the past--is a fact of life for many believers throughout the world as they are tortured and killed for their testimony of Jesus. In fact, the twentieth century saw more persecution of believers than any previous century. Even during the Holocaust, those believers who stood up to the ungodliness of the Nazi party suffered side-by-side with the Jewish people. As the Apostle Paul said, "all who desire to live godly in Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted" (1 Timothy 3:12).

Endnotes

1. See "Remembering Yeshua's Chief Disciple: The Apostle Peter in Rabbinic Literature" in messiah magazine #94.
2. Attested to in multiple sources, such as 1 Clement, multiple works from Tertullian, Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History, the apocryphal Acts of Peter, the apocryphal Acts of Peter and Paul and Fox's Book of Martyrs.

The Perseverance of Kislev

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:01:36 +0000

Kislev is the ninth month of biblical calendar year. The name "Kislev" is the Babylonian name of the month. In the Bible, it is referred to as both "the ninth month" and "Kislev" as in Zechariah 7:1, "the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Kislev" (NIV). Among other historical events that occurred during Kislev, none is perhaps more well known than the Festival of Hanukkah, an eight day festival which begins on Kislev 25. "Hanukkah" is a word that means "dedication," for it was during these days that the Temple was rededicated in 165 BCE. This occurred during the Intertestamental period, and its history is preserved in the Apocryphal books of 1 & 2 Maccabees, as well as in the Talmud (b. Shabbat 21b). In the second century BCE, the Syrian Greeks ruled over the land of Israel. In an effort to assimilate the cultures under their control, the Greek ruler Antiochus IV outlawed the "peculiar" customs of the Jewish people, namely, Torah. It became illegal for the Jews to observe the Sabbath, study the Torah, keep kosher, or circumcise their sons. It now became a legal requirement to sacrifice unclean animals and offer incense to the emperor. Sadly, many Jews obeyed these laws and turned away from the Torah of God. They denounced their brothers who remained faithful to the Covenant. These harsh decrees eventually led to a revolt of those faithful to God against the Greeks. The Hasmonean family, led by Judah Maccabee, were successful in the revolt. They were able to defeat their enemies and reclaim control of the Temple. They set to work rebuilding and purifying the Temple of the uncleanness the Greeks had brought. Tradition also claims that only one days' amount of oil for the menorah was found in the Sanctuary, though eight days' worth was needed. Miraculously, the oil continued to burn for eight days. The meaning of Hanukkah is one of dedication, commitment, and devotion. We may not be called to bear arms, "for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12), but in every generation we are called to persevere under persecution. The Apostle Paul calls us to "not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). Our Master taught, "blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mathew 5:10). May we all remain steadfast in our faith in God and our Master Yeshua by the strengthening of the Holy Spirit.